Golf is FOREeveryone: R&A campaign wants more women and girls playing the sport

An R&A campaign is encouraging more women and girls to play golf.

#FOREeveryone aims to showcase the sport and provide advice on how to get started – and there’s never been a better time in the wake of Europe’s stunning Solheim Cup victory over the USA.

Whether it’s by highlighting the opportunity to improve physical and mental health, spend time with family and friends, or experience the thrill of competition, the drive will also challenge unhelpful misconceptions that non-golfers may have.

Those thinking of playing golf can go on the #FOREeveryone website to get practical advice, as well as hear from women golfers about why they play and why others should give it a go.

The R&A is working with England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, Golf Ireland and the PGA to encourage new golfers and welcome them to venues across Great Britain and Ireland.

First launched last year as an industry initiative to help golf facilities create an inclusive culture, more than 740 venues have signed up and can access #FOREeveryone materials.

Phil Anderton, the R&A’s chief development officer, said: “The R&A is demonstrating its commitment to creating greater equality across golf and the #FOREeveryone campaign is the next step in our drive to have more women and girls involved at all levels of the sport.

“Golf has many proven health benefits that make it an appealing sport, especially to those new to the game. During the pandemic, when people were looking for outdoor pursuits which could be enjoyed safely, we saw a heightened interest, including from women and girls.

“In fact, 25 per cent of the women who played golf last year were doing so for the first time, meaning now is the perfect time to ensure this interest is maintained so women and girls enjoy the sport for many years to come.”

The #FOREeveryone campaign is part of the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, which was launched in 2018 to increase the number of women and girls playing the sport around the world as well as create more employment opportunities within the golf industry.

Since then, nearly 1,000 organisations have signed up and made commitments around how they would drive tangible change and try to break down some of the barriers that can prevent people playing – whether that’s the perceived cost, the time it takes to play or how hard it is to learn.

The R&A have also signed a deal with Topgolf to offer several discounted women and girls coaching sessions from PGA professionals.

These fun social sessions aim to inspire and motivate women golfers, providing them with the practical skills they need to play the sport, while also showcasing it in a more positive and inclusive light. They will also highlight the many physical and mental benefits playing golf provides – including exercise, socialising, and the thrill of competition.

Coaching sessions – which will be delivered by a host of qualified teaching professionals – are taking place at Topgolf’s Chigwell, Watford and Surrey venues on five dates between November and March and are bookable online at a discounted coaching price of just £5 per person. This cover charge includes a free drink and club hire provided by Topgolf.

To find out more about the campaign, about rediscovering golf or locating beginner programmes, visit the #FOREeveryone website.

Picture courtesy of the R&A.

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